African trading. and the Netherlands who began trading along the Atlantic coast of Africa therefore encountered a well-established trading population regulated by savvy and experienced local rulers. European companies quickly developed mercantile ties with these indigenous powers and erected fortified “factories,” or warehouses, on.

African Slave Traders Arrested

African trading. The Royal African Company (RAC) was an English mercantile company set up by the Stuart family and London merchants to trade along the west coast of Africa. It was led by James, Duke of York, Charles II's brother. Its original purpose was to exploit the gold fields up the Gambia River, which were identified by Prince Founded‎: ‎ in ‎London, England.

The civilizations that flourished in ancient West Africa were all based on trade, so successful West African leaders tended to be peacemakers rather than warriors. Traders exchanged gold for something the West Africans prized even more: Salt was used as a flavoring, a food preservative, and as today, a means of retaining body moisture. The first people to make the trek across the Sahara were the Berbers of North Africa who brought their strict Islamic faith across the desert. The Berbers converted many of the merchants of West Africa to Islam, but most of the common people retained their traditional beliefs.

The ancient West Africans, like Native Americans and the Sumerians, believed that many gods existed in nature. They did not accept the Muslim belief in one God. Trade in Ancient West Africa. Trade in Ancient West Africa The civilizations that flourished in ancient West Africa were all based on trade, so successful West African leaders tended to be peacemakers rather than warriors.

Donn has an excellent website that includes a section on Ancient Rome. West African trade routes Merchants and traders in West Africa saw many advantages in converting to Islam Literacy spread because belief in Islam encourages Muslims to learn the Quran. Many Muslims speak Arabic, the language of the Quran. In time, Arabic became the common language of the merchants and traders of West Africa.

Strict Muslims follow Islamic law. It is easier to solve disputes when both parties agree on the laws. Conversion to Islam opened up new trading possibilities across North Africa and in Arabia. Many Muslims journey to Mecca at least once. This encouraged them to meet new people and discover new cultures.